Good Manners for Children

What are the basic good manners for children? It’s about time we got down on our kids manners. Especially table manners. Is there some sort of ultimate guide to good manners for children? If so, please, what are they?

–puzzled parents, Washington, DC

We parents understand the importance of modeling good manners for children from a young age. Teaching good table manners is a crucial aspect of their social development and contributes to their overall growth as polite, considerate individuals. Here are some tips and strategies for cultivating excellent table manners in children.

Lead by Example — Children are keen observers, and they learn a great deal by watching the behavior of adults around them. Demonstrate good table manners that you want to instill by consistently practicing them yourself. Use polite language, chew with your mouth closed, keep your elbows off the table, allow them to ask if they can be excused, and show respect for others during meals.

Start with the Basics — At an early age, children are ready to grasp the fundamentals of table manners. Teach them how to use utensils properly, encouraging the use of both a knife and fork when appropriate. Emphasize the importance of sitting up strait and keeping elbows off the table.

Napkin Etiquette — Teach your children how to use a napkin. Show them that they place their napkin on their lap and spread it out to cover (and protect) their clothing (so their shirt or pants don’t get stained) before the meal begins and to use their napkin to wipe their mouth when necessary. Reinforce the habit of not playing with or crumpling the napkin during the meal. Before leaving the table they loosely fold the napkin and place it to the left of their plate. After asking if they can be excused, they push in their chair.

Encourage Conversation — Mealtime is a golden opportunity for family bonding. Encourage your children to engage in conversation by asking open-ended conversations about their day. Teach them to listen actively and wait for their turn to speak. This not only enhances their social skills but also makes meals more fun.

No Interrupting Zone — Instill the value of patience and respect by establishing a “no interrupting” rule during meals. Teach your children to wait for an appropriate break in the conversation before sharing their thoughts. This helps foster a considerate and harmonious dining environment.

Explore Different Foods — Use mealtime as a chance to broaden your child’s palate. Introduce them to a variety of foods, and teach them to express their dislikes politely. Encourage them to try new things while also being respectful if they choose not to finish a particular dish. When having a meal at a friend’s house the child should not say they don’t like something unless they are asked.

Helpful Clean-Up Responsibility — Good table manners includes taking responsibility for one’s space. Teach your children to clear their plates and participate in cleaning up after meals. This habit reinforces a sense of accountability and teamwork.

Praise and Positive Reinforcement — Acknowledge and praise your children when they display good table manners. Positive reinforcement goes a long was in shaping good behavior. Create a positive and encouraging atmosphere around the dining table, whether you’re sitting at a fast food restaurant or their grandparents’ holiday table.

In a Nutshell — as you well know, in the formative years children are sponges, absorbing information and behaviors from their surroundings. By focusing on teaching and reinforcing these fundamental table manners, parents and caregivers contribute to the development of respectful, considerate, and socially adept individuals. Cultivating good table manners is not just about proper etiquette; it’s an investment in the lifelong skill of effective communication and respectful interaction. Check in with us again as we delve deeper into Good Manners for Children.